Nicole Richie splits with rocker

Monday, May 21, 2007

Nicole Richie has reportedly split with her boyfriend Joel Madden after the couple's trip to Australia and New Zealand.

Sources claim the pair, who began dating last November, ended their relationship during a recent trip to Australia, where they attended the MTV Australia Video Music Awards.

Richie was also believed to have followed Madden to New Zealand for a performance by Madden's band, Good Charlotte.

A source told Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper: "Joel was acting like a single man at the awards after party and the couple openly argued in front of the crowd."

"Nicole was in tears at one stage, but no one really knows why."

Madden reportedly dumped Nicole for being "too clingy" during the trip, which included stops in Byron Bay and the Gold Coast.

US gossip website www.PerezHilton.com also claims the pair have split because they have not been seen together since their return.

Blogger Perez wrote: "Word is spreading fast that Joel and Nicole broke up right after their trip to Australia."

Earlier this year, it was reported Nicole and Joel were engaged.

The pair almost tied the knot in Las Vegas on February 17, but decided to get Nicole's adoptive dad Lionel Richie's blessing first.

A source said at the time: "They picked out matching silver and diamond rings at a jewellery boutique in Caesar's Palace and then headed to the Little White Wedding Chapel where the hovered outside for ages.

"But Nicole wanted her dad's blessing so they went straight to see him when they got back to Los Angeles."

The couple were then said to be planning to marry in front of their close family and friends at Mexico's Las Ventanas resort in Cabo San Lucas.

Labels: Nicole Richie